David Robinson already has a place in NBA history as one of the game’s best centers — a 10-time All-Star, two-time champion, one-time MVP and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Now the San Antonio Spurs legend also has a place in NBA history as one of the game’s most philanthropic.
As reported by W. Scott Bailey for the San Antonio Business Journal, ESPN has named Robinson its 2018 recipient of the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award. Named after the late ESPN anchor, the honor is part of the network’s sports humanitarian awards, per Bailey. And it is meant to confirm Robinson as “the epitome of a servant leader” thanks to his “thoughtful and impactful” community service, as Bailey explains:
Sixteen years ago, he launched the Carver Academy in East San Antonio to expand access to education and create a pathway to college for children of economically challenged families. The publicly funded charter school is now known as IDEA Carver, and all of its graduates have gone to college.
Robinson also started a private equity firm, Admiral Capital, which dedicates a percentage of its profits to fund philanthropic projects.
Known as “The Admiral” during his 15-year Hall of Fame playing career with the Spurs, Robinson has been vocal about his passion for other people — something that stems from his devout Christian faith — since retiring from the NBA in 2003.
“I’d rather be out there moving for God because you can’t stand still,” Robinson said in 2002. “You cannot. It’s a love, it’s a passion. God didn’t stand still and leave me out there, and it’s the same passion He’s given me for other people.”
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” (John 14:12 NLT) #HappySunday
— David Robinson (@DavidtheAdmiral) July 8, 2018
The fourth annual Sports Humanitarian Awards, presented by ESPN and sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, is a celebration of the impact made by athletes, teams and sports industry professionals who use the power of sport to make a difference throughout the world. For the second consecutive year, the sports industry-wide event takes place at L.A. LIVE’s The Novo. The event will be held on Tuesday and highlights of the evening will be showcased during a one-hour program on ESPN, July 24, at 7 p.m. ET.
RELATED STORIES:
– David Robinson retired from basketball in 2003 to preach and teach God’s word
– From the Archives: David Robinson
– Trey Burke’s journey from the G League to the New York Knicks led by his faith in God
– From the Archives — Avery Johnson: The Little Guard That Could
